Obituaries

Anna Koop

Anna Koop passed away Dec. 8. She was born Dec. 29, 1907 to Wilhelm and Anna Neufeld in Kurushan, Molotschna, Ukraine. She accepted the Lord at 14. The family immigrated to Whitewater, Man. in 1924. She married Abram Koop, a widower with 3 small children, in 1931. They lived in Terence, Man. until 1938, when they moved to Vineland, Ont. and Jordan Station, Ont. joining Vineland MB Church, where she was a member until her death. After 6 years, they moved to Campden, Ont. In 1961, they moved back to Vineland. In 1982, they moved to Orchardview Apts. at the United Mennonite Home in Vineland. She fell in 1993, fracturing a hip. She was a hard-working person who, by example, taught her family that contentment and happiness are not dependent on material wealth. She also taught them to respect the rights of others and to carry respect for oneself. Predeceased by 1 granddaughter, she is mourned by Abram; children John of Comox, B.C., Walt of Vineland, Martha Bartel of Leamington, Ont., Bill of Wellandport, Ont., Vic of Winkler, Man., Anne Hamm of Campden, Erna Durksen of Breslau, Ont., Abe of St. Catharines, Kathy Enns of Winnipeg, Betty Isaak of Oakville, Ont. and Vera Sinclair of Burlington, Ont.; 35 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren; 6 brothers and 3 sisters. The funeral was Dec. 11 at Vineland MB Church, with Henry Wiebe and Helmut Koop ministering.

Harold C. Klassen

Harold C. Klassen passed away Jan. 1. He was born Oct. 5, 1923 in Moscow. At the age of 5 he immigrated to Winnipeg with his parents C.F. and Mary Klassen. He graduated from Mennonite Collegiate in Gretna, Man. in 1941. In 1943 he was baptized, joining North End MB Church in Winnipeg. He received a B.Sc. from the University of Manitoba in 1947. In 1948, the family moved to Abbotsford, B.C. He earned a teaching certificate from the University of British Columbia and spent several years teaching high school. In 1951, he married Ruth Thiessen. They moved to Clearbrook, B.C., where they joined Bakerview MB Church. He worked as an employment counsellor for the Canadian government until his retirement in 1988. He enjoyed doing bookkeeping for the church and community. He taught adult Sunday school and sang in the choir. Having played cello in his youth, he loved listening to music. He had a great appreciation for the beauty of gardens and natural landscapes; he spent countless hours working on his yard. He was diagnosed with liver cancer in March, 1995. He spent his last months reading and praying. Predeceased by two sisters, he is mourned by Ruth; children Irene Friesen, Rita, Randy and Lorri Ratzlaff; 7 grandchildren; 2 brothers and 1 sister.

Rosie Nickel

Rosie Nickel passed away Jan. 13. She was born Sept. 13, 1921 in Borden, Sask. She was baptized, joining Borden MB Church. She married David Nickel June 19, 1949. They served at a church in Compass, Sask. 1950-1957. They moved to Winnipeg, then Kitchener, Ont. and Hamilton, Ont., during which David upgraded his education. They served as pastor couple in Swift Current (Sask.) MB Church and later South Abbotsford MB Church in Abbotsford, B.C. She helped with various duties when David became chaplain at Tabor Home in Clearbrook, B.C. Her faith, trust and love for the Lord were shown in preparing her children to serve the Lord, volunteering at the MCC store, quilting at the MCC warehouse, and serving the Lord with her husband. In retirement, she and David enjoyed travelling and serving the seniors at South Abbotsford MB Church. She is mourned by David; son Wesley of Penticton, B.C.; daughters Lois of Terrace, B.C., Connie of Burnaby, B.C. and Marjorie of Bolivia; and grandchildren. The funeral was Jan. 18 at South Abbotsford MB Church.

Peter Peter Klassen

Peter Peter Klassen passed away Dec. 1. He was born May 30, 1925 to Peter and Aganeta Klassen in Kamenopol, Ekaterinoslav, Russia. The family immigrated to Coulter, Man. in 1927. In 1937, they moved to a farm in Black Creek, B.C. Except for an occasional diversionary job, Peter worked in logging from 1942-1985, when he took early retirement. His adeptness and safety consciousness were admired by his co-workers. His prayer that his machine not be involved in any fatalities was answered. He loved the woods and hunting, spending many days in quiet solitude cutting firewood or tracking deer. He was an engineer and inventor at heart, often creating puzzles or providing unique solutions to life's everyday problems. In retirement, he golfed, travelled, gardened and fished. After a dramatic conversion in May, 1958, he was baptized Sept. 28, 1958 at Black Creek MB Church. He married Anna Unger Oct. 19, 1958. He served as treasurer in the church for 20 years. In the last years, he suffered a grand mal seizure, a brain tumour, brain infection, depression and strokes. Just before he died, he raised his arms as if to embrace and smiled. He is mourned by Anna; children Ella of Victoria, B.C., James of Vancouver, Violet Falk of Black Creek; 5 grandchildren; 3 sisters and 1 brother. The funeral was Dec. 6 at Black Creek MB Church, with Barry Falk ministering.

George B. Peters

George B. Peters passed away Jan. 14. He was born in 1905 in Ufa, Russia. Due to the loss of property during the Revolution, the family relocated several times. In fall, 1922, he caught typhoid fever. He became a Christian during this time, at 17. He and his parents immigrated to Borden, Sask., in 1926. In 1930, he worked in Saskatoon. He married Anna Janzen in 1933. He was baptized in 1946, joining the MB church. He owned a tool-grinding business for 15 years. In 1951, the family moved to Terrace, B.C. where he established a grocery store. He was very active in the church, involved with the Gideons and served on Terrace City Council. Anna died of cancer in April, 1973. He married Anna Neufeld in November, 1973. After a year, they moved to Clearbrook, B.C., where he joined Bakerview MB Church and was actively involved with the Golden Age Society. They enjoyed travelling. They moved into Evergreen Village Condominium in 1986. In 1993, he was admitted to Menno Home, and later Menno Hospital. He is mourned by Anna; children Eleanor Froese, Margaret Reinhardt, and Arnold; step-children Mary Loewen, Nita Dyck, Elnora Martens, Ruth Smolyn, Walter Neufeld and Elaine Thiessen; 30 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Sally Toews

Sally Toews passed away Nov. 25. She was born June 19, 1917 to Peter A. and Katherine Braun near Altona, Man. She was baptized in 1939, joining Altona MB Church. She graduated from Winkler Bible Institute. After taking LPN training, she worked at Children's Hospital in Winnipeg. She attended North End MB Church. She married Peter Toews Oct. 25, 1952. They moved to Steinbach, Man., where they joined Steinbach MB Church. She stayed at home to care for their 3 children. In the mid-70s, she took a nursing refresher course and worked at the Steinbach Personal Care Home. She and Peter enjoyed travelling. She was an excellent seamstress and made tailored garments for her family. She enjoyed gardening, canning, making jam, curling, bowling and choir singing. She had a perennial flower garden of great beauty. She was also heavily involved in her children's activities such as 4H, Awana clubs and the Treble Teens. After she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 1991, they moved to an apartment in Fernwood Place in Steinbach; she was cared for by Peter until she moved to Rest Haven Nursing Home in May, 1995. She is remembered for her sense of humour, vitality, enthusiasm and strong faith in Christ. She is mourned by Peter; children Sandee Pauls, Lori Friesen and Ken; and 4 grandchildren. The funeral was Nov. 30 in Steinbach MB Church, with Keith Poysti and John Reimer ministering.

Siegfried Paul William Grosse

Siegfried Paul William Grosse passed away Dec. 24. He was born Apr. 21, 1929 to Paul and Maria Grosse in Winzenberg, Germany. He attended school in Alfeld, Germany. He married Ruth Suss Aug. 20, 1949. After living in Bad Gandersheim for several years, they immigrated to Winnipeg. He became a Christian and was baptized, joining a Baptist church. He worked for Canadian National Railway, attending school in the evenings to earn a Manitoba teaching certificate. Beginning in 1954, he taught in Hochfeld, Man. where he and Ruth produced German theatre pieces for the community. The family moved to Randolph, Man. in 1959. They joined Steinbach MB Church. He attended evening classes at the University of Manitoba, graduating in 1966. Moving to Steinbach in 1966, he took the position of German teacher in the Steinbach Collegiate Institute. In 1970, the family moved to Eriksdale, Man. where he was superintendent of the Lakeshore School Division. Due to failing health, he retired to Lac du Bonnet, Man. in 1985 and was able to travel to Europe, Mexico and Hawaii. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. He was diagnosed with cancer in 1991. They moved to Pinawa, Man. where they attended an Alliance church. He is mourned by Ruth; daughters Marion, Vivian, Ellen-Lynn, Doris and Mona; 5 grandchildren and 3 siblings. The funeral was Dec. 30 at Steinbach MB Church, with Keith Poysti and Corny Rempel ministering.

William Jacob Martens

William (Bill) Jacob Martens passed away Nov. 15. He was born May 21, 1913 to Jacob and Mary Martens in Wiessenfeld, Molotschna, Russia. He became a refugee following the revolution. His father died when William was 7, his mother 3 years later. In 1924, he accepted Christ at a revival meeting. His love for God and his trust in Him never wavered. His older sister and her husband invited him to live with them. They immigrated to Domain, Man. in 1926. In 1929, he moved to Cartwright, Man. to farm. In 1934, he went to northern Ontario to work in the bush. During the next 5 summers, he worked at various farms to pay for 5 years at Winkler Bible Institute. He married Kathy Dueck in 1940. They began farming at Enterprise, Man., then homesteaded near Lena, Man. He expanded the farm over the years, eventually specializing in producing seed grain. He retired to Killarney, Man. in 1975 and took up beekeeping. He suffered a heart attack in 1984. In 1988, they moved to Donwood West and joined Portage Ave. MB Church. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He played violin, conducted a small orchestra and encouraged his children and grandchildren in their musical endeavours. He served faithfully in the church as lay pastor, Sunday school teacher, superintendent and deacon. He regularly visited the handicapped and sick. He is remembered for his storytelling ability, joy in witnessing, integrity, generosity, eternal optimism and friendly nature. He enjoyed being alone with creation, sometimes kneeling behind his tractor to praise God. Predeceased by Kathy, daughter Leona, 4 brothers and 3 sisters, he is mourned by children Vic of Killarney and Helga Ross and Elvy Pierce of Winnipeg; and 11 grandchildren.

Margaret Anna Martens

Margaret Anna Martens passed away Feb. 2. She was born Dec. 4, 1928 to Kornelius and Anna Martens in Kronsgarten, Russia. Her father was arrested Jan. 30, 1938 and never heard from again. The family fled in 1944 to Detmold, Germany and in 1946 to Gronau, Germany, where they attended a Baptist church. She accepted the Lord during evangelistic meetings with the help of Jacob Peters. She was baptized Mar. 30, 1946, joining the church. In 1948, they immigrated to Arnold, B.C. In 1962, they moved to Clearbrook, B.C., joining Clearbrook MB Church. She worked at Tabor Home for 28 years. She suffered from arthritis most of her adult life. She faithfully served in the church, teaching Sunday school in Arnold, B.C.; working in the church library and singing in several choirs in Clearbrook MB Church. After cancer surgery in 1995, she was informed that the cancer was terminal and resigned herself to God's will. She was cared for by sister Kornelia Klassen of Elm Creek, Man. She was admitted to MSA Hospital in January, 1996. She is mourned by her sister; 6 cousins and many other relatives and friends in Canada, Germany and Russia. The funeral was Feb. 7 at Clearbrook MB Church, with Jacob Pauls, George Baier and John E. Klassen ministering.

Mary Hiebert

Mary Hiebert passed away Feb. 1. She was born Apr. 27, 1902 to David and Helen Bergen in Alexanderkrone, Molotschna, Russia. The family moved to Lichtfelde, where she attended school. She accepted Christ at 18. She was later baptized, joining Lichtfelde MB Church. Her father and brother died in 1921. She married Peter Hiebert in 1934. Peter was arrested in 1937 and never heard from again. Later, the police also took her daughter, Helen. She was reunited with Helen some time later. Mary and other women had to dig trenches for the Russian army. The rest of her family were sent to Siberia, where they all died of starvation. In 1942, Mary and Helen reached Germany. In 1948, they immigrated to Yarrow, B.C. In 1963, she moved in with daughter Helen and her husband in Burnaby, B.C. In 1991, Mary and Helen moved to Abbotsford, B.C., where she joined Clearbrook MB Church. She is remembered for her great concern for the salvation of others. She gave glory to God for His help in good times and bad. Isaiah 43:1 was precious to her. She is mourned by daughter Helen Berlanden; 2 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Feb. 6 at Clearbrook MB Church, with Jacob Pauls, George Baier and Walter Balzer ministering.

Susanna Penner

Susanna Penner passed away Jan. 30. She was born Mar. 18, 1908 to Johann Abram and Lena Guenther in Ukraine. The family moved to western Siberia, where she married Jacob G. Penner. In fall, 1929, they sold everything in order to travel to Moscow and then emigrate to Canada. They were denied permission and forcibly returned to Omsk, Siberia. They lost 3 sons to child epidemics, but still praised God. They lived in Nikolaifeld, Siberia 1930-37. Because Jacob was a lay minister and choir conductor, he was in danger of arrest. They moved to Ukraine, then White Russia. Their 3 daughters had died by then. They were arrested, but German troops arrived. Jacob worked as a translator for the German army in Minsk. They were sent to refugee camps in Germany. They immigrated to Chilliwack, B.C. May 24, 1948. They moved to Greendale, B.C. 2 years later. In 1967, they built a house in Clearbrook, B.C. and retired. In 1969, she became partially blind due to a car accident. Jacob died Jan. 17, 1983. After 5 years, she moved to Tabor Manor, then Menno Home and Tabor Home. She was a loving mother and longed to see her children in heaven. Predeceased by Jacob, 3 sons and 3 daughters, she is mourned by 5 sons; 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Feb. 5 at Clearbrook MB Church, with Jacob Pauls, George Baier and John E. Klassen ministering.

Amanda Jane Derksen

Amanda Jane Derksen was killed in a car-pedestrian accident Jan. 2 in Hanna, Alta. She was born Sept. 10, 1979 in Winnipeg. The family eventually moved to Wabowden, Man. She spent 2 summers working at Simonhouse Bible Camp, which she saw as a spiritual haven. She loved to worship God through singing. At camp, she was known for her talent with crafts, patience with kids and contagious joy. In 1995, she moved to Waldheim, Sask. to live with her grandparents. She desired a stronger Christian community, which she found in Waldheim. She was baptized Dec. 3, 1995, joining Waldheim MB Church. She took an active part in the youth group and sang in a worship band. She is remembered for her vibrant spirit, spontaneity, attitude of helpfulness and strong commitment to Jesus. She is mourned by parents Ray and Deb Derksen of Wabowden; sister Crystal of Saskatoon; and grandparents Otto and Adelaide Derksen of Waldheim. A memorial service was held Jan. 5 in Waldheim MB Church, with Clarence Peters ministering. The funeral was Jan. 7 in Wabowden, with Ted Goossen ministering.

Fred William Klein

Fred William Klein passed away Jan. 2. He was born Feb. 6, 1906 to Christian and Caroline Klein near Esk, Sask. He accepted the Lord in his early 20s and was baptized in Fishing Lake during the 1950s. He married Annie Wildeman Nov. 25, 1931. They farmed near Esk until 1952, when they moved to a farm in LeRoy, Sask. He enjoyed life on the farm, raising chickens, cattle and hogs. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping. They retired from farming in 1970 and moved to Lanigan, Sask. in 1974. In Lanigan, he spent many hours going for coffee with friends and family. He had a particular interest in cars, purchasing 12 new ones during his lifetime. He was an active member of the church. He moved to the Central Parkland Lodge in Lanigan in 1991. He loved visiting with people. Predeceased by 6 brothers and 2 sisters, he is mourned by Annie; daughters Maureen Greenaway of Calgary and Dorothy Klein of Lanigan; 2 sisters and 2 brothers. The funeral was Jan. 5 in Christian Fellowship Church, Lanigan, with Abe Klassen ministering.

Jacob B. Falk

Jacob B. Falk passed away Jan. 2. He received Christ at 19. A year later he was baptized and joined Steinfeld MB Church in Russia. He married Louise in 1923. In 1926, they immigrated to Hepburn, Sask. to farm. After nine years, they moved to Black Creek, B.C. They helped start Black Creek MB Church. Jacob served as church leader and deacon for the next 30 years. Following retirement, he enjoyed gardening and spending time in his workshop. He is remembered for his constant attitude of praising the Lord. He spent his last year in Menno Home in Abbotsford, B.C. Predeceased by 2 grandchildren, he is survived by Louise; children Margaret Wedel, Helen Weibe and John, all of Black Creek, Bernard and Herman of Abbotsford and Jake of Maple Ridge; 28 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren; 1 brother and 2 sisters. The funeral was Jan. 8 at Black Creek MB Church, with Barry Falk ministering.

Charleen Ann Thelma Funk

Charleen Ann Thelma Funk died Nov. 19 of injuries sustained in a car accident Nov. 10 in Golden, B.C. She was born Feb. 4, 1971 in Winnipeg to Peggy and Winston Clisby. In 1975, her family moved to Waldheim, Sask. After graduation, she moved to Saskatoon to study at C.P.E. She graduated from Marca College and began work as a hair stylist. She married Byron Funk Dec. 28, 1991. They moved to Moose Jaw, Sask. in 1992. She worked at a local salon and as a nanny. In February, 1993, she was diagnosed with Hodgkins disease, but courageously dealt with chemotherapy and radiation. They moved to Vancouver in July, 1995 where she worked as a nanny. On Nov. 10, on the way to Calgary to visit family, they were involved in an accident. She never regained consciousness from a coma. She is remembered as a pure and gentle spirit who was a friend to everyone. She had a special love for children and a compassion for animals. She always worked at bettering the situations she found herself in. She is mourned by Byron; parents Winston and Peggy Clisby of Waldheim; brothers Darrin and Tyler and sister Shannon. The funeral was Jan. 22 in Waldheim MB Church, with Clarence Peters ministering.

Enos Bearinger

Enos Bearinger passed away Dec. 24. He was born Mar. 30, 1918 in Elmira, Ont. He lost two wives as a young man, Judith (Frey) dying in childbirth in 1947 and Emma (Martin) dying of an aneurysm in 1957. He married Betty Schwartzentruber May 1, 1959. He was active in farming and a feed mill business until founding Harbour Rescue Mission in Hamilton, Ont. in 1956. It was later renamed Mission Services of Hamilton and grew into a $2 million annual operation including men's residential and rehabilitation programs, and a shelter for battered women and their children. He dedicated many years to serving the underprivileged and homeless. Later, in the 1960s, he began working in real estate sales and marketing. He would witness to practically everyone he came into contact with. He is remembered as a man of great faith and generosity. Predeceased by infant son David Wayne, wife Judith and wife Emma, he is mourned by Betty; sons Harvey of Toronto, Oscar of Kilaloa, Ont., Gene of Vineland, Ont.; and daughter Ruth, of Hamilton. The funeral was Dec. 28 at Mountainview MB Church in Stoney Creek, Ont., with Walter Enns ministering.